Young drivers aged between 17-25 have until October 2nd to try and secure one of 50 places at a safe-driving weekend workshop in Athlone with the rally driver Ms Rosemary Smith and Garda driving demonstrators. Part of the PMPA Safe Driving Challenge, the weekend is part of a wider effort to raise safety awareness especially amongst young drivers.

The competition is organised in conjunction with 2FM's Gerry Ryan Show and anyone interested needs to write to the show with reasons why they consider themselves a safe driver. If their entry is drawn they will spend the weekend practising safety, accident avoidance and car control techniques. First prize is a new Fiat Punto and one year's motor insurance from PMPA; second prize is a trip for two to attend an advanced motor course in Italy and a year's worth of insurance, while third prize is also one year's worth of insurance from PMPA.

PMPA already sponsors a number of programmes for young people including a pilot "young learner driver" scheme for Leaving Certificate and Transition Year students at Rosary College, Crumlin, Dublin, that incorporates theoretical and practical lessons. It also produces a booklet, How To Pass Your Driving Test First Time.